What would You like on your Purse?
Can you help me? I have a Question… Over the last year I have been tossing an idea around in my mind. (Actually I toss a lot around in there but that’s another story…)
I am going to Up-cycle some beautiful purses and bags. They are quality brands that I have collected and restored.
My dream is to provide another life for these bags by painting designs on the. I hope they will be loved again and perhaps be even more cherished as art pieces. The illustrator/artist in me has been yearning to do a bit more painting lately. That spurred this idea; ‘Repurposed-Repursed‘.
RePurposed – RePursed:
Each one will be a one-of-a-kind art piece. I’ve done this often for my loved ones, but I knew what would make them smile (or sometimes cry)
Now my question is; what would you just love to see on your bag? This is a question of ‘Surface Design’, trends and images that are always well received.
Here’s some of what I’ve painted already to give you an idea of the possibilities;
Pets and Flowers are always sentimental but I want to be more unique.
Please comment below and let me know. I would really appreciate your feedback, who knows, maybe I’ll paint your idea!
I am hoping to pop them into my Etsy store or a local Artist Co-op Store.
Hello Barb, Your pieces are beautiful and creative, I enjoy each one. In our area we like to see historical places represented on things, such as local lighthouses, bridges and we have a tunnel under the Erie Canal people from all over visit. Maybe somewhere special from your area would be striking on one of your re-purses. Looking forward to seeing more.
Ah yes, good idea. Coincidentally I did spend much of my working career as an Architectural Illustrator so building do not scare me! We do have a goos selection locally as well as we are the city of waterfalls
Hi Barb, Happy New Year to you!
I think it’s a great idea to ‘ask’ people for their ideas but in the end, these bags will be transformed one of a kind artful bags made by you. As someone else has said, I’m done with the cutesy, photo art/traditional themes. I think I’d be drawn to that kind of abstracted colour design/theme, with unusual recycled materials/textures combined with found or repurposed objects ie: metal/concrete/wood/bark/fabric/carpet/organic inclusions. Perhaps using a torch to scorch the wood or patina/colourize metal. However you’re inspired, it will definitely say YOU! I’ve enjoyed thinking on how to respond to your question Barb, which is also helping me in my studio work, so thanks for asking…LOL!! Go for it girl… Monica
Oh I hear ya! I did a few to test in the local shop since when I’d work there I kept seeing that buyers loved things that were pet related. Personally I really do want to be even more unique than that. I suppose it’s like comparing art gallery work to art that sells by popularity. ‘Should it feed the soul or the pocket book?! That’s an age old question.
Hi Barb,
I love the cats, but then again that is something personal. Maybe a vine twining the purse or a wave crashing. Butterflies, but maybe the cocoon and the caterpillar on the outside, butterfly on the inside? Metamorphosis, like your upcycling…
Just my thoughts.
Suzanne
I can see you have quite the imagination too. I was inspired when I noticed my pictures of the Painted Lady Butterfly that I had raised It’s sad that my brain can’t keep a better memory of all the thousands of images. I love the idea of combining the imagery with the concept; genious!
Mornin Barb – I’ve been following you since I ran across your Covid masks. Your talent and dedication to your art is both inspiring and overwhelming. I love pretty much everything you create.
To your question, I’m usually drawn to abstract line drawings using several colors. I’m not an artist. I’d never imagine painting the pretty birds or even the adorable snail.
Thank you for sharing your art.
Yes, when I see the multicolour abstract art I do also love it. It looks simple enough but my brain sometimes just falls back into the paths that seem already pretty ‘deep grooves’. It’s like a lesson in psychology! Thank you!
The purses are beautiful. What a wonderful way to repurpose them. Have you ever thought of doing a landscape series of bags. The mountains, the desert, the ocean meeting the shore etc. etc. I will be very interested In seeing what you do in the future. Debi
‘Good idea! When I recently did a small redo of my living room I wanted a big new beach painting… so I painted one! since I tend to take a lot of pics at the beach. I would need to figure out how to frame the image.
Beach scenes
We tend to love looking at places that we have a connection to. My views of forest creeks make me happy, you must love to be on the beach!
Wow! From what you have already done and the comments so far, you have your work cut out for you. Anything you paint is beautiful. I’m a quilter. Lots more of options there.
I am most drawn to the organic waves and white flowers.
How about some “Starry Night” VanGogh type skies? Or Fireworks.
Oh, yes! I may not try to copy the artist exactly but I do like the way that the paint is not so ‘perfect’. Being a realistic artist I am always way to fussy… Thanks!
Irises garden
Horse head with mane wrapping round-the-bag
Lion head with many colors
Dragon flies
Crosses with flying doves
Sounds like you can see them in your mind, as can I! Images that wrap the shapes does make a lot of sense! There’s something about dragon fly wings!